Principal Software Engineer
Microsoft · microsoft.com
RedmondLead / Manager6+ yrs
Straight from the company’s own careers site.
The job in short
Principal software engineer leading architecture of large-scale distributed cloud platforms.
PythonJavaJavaScriptC++C#Machine learningProduct management
Details
- Found
- 9 d ago · posted 2026-10-27
- Location
- Redmond, WA, US
Full description
Provide technical leadership for the architecture and evolution of large-scale distributed cloud platforms and services. Identify and solve complex, ambiguous engineering problems and translate them into clear technical strategies and scalable architectures. Lead the design of systems that use AI and automation to improve how cloud services are monitored, investigated, diagnosed, and operated. Define reusable platform capabilities, APIs, architectural patterns, and engineering standards that enable multiple teams to build and innovate efficiently. Drive architectural decisions across multiple services and engineering teams, balancing scalability, reliability, security, performance, extensibility, and engineering velocity. Partner across engineering, product management, and architecture disciplines to translate customer and business needs into long-term technical investments. Lead complex initiatives from early problem definition and architecture through implementation, rollout, and operational maturity. Establish strong engineering practices around quality, testing, observability, security, privacy, and operational excellence. Use production learnings and data to identify systemic improvements and influence future platform investments. Mentor engineers and technical leaders and raise the engineering bar through design reviews, technical guidance, and hands-on leadership. Build strong partnerships across organizational boundaries and drive alignment when solutions require multiple teams or technologies. Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience. Experience designing, building, and operating large-scale distributed systems, cloud services, or platform technologies. Experience with AI-assisted systems, AI agents, machine learning, or intelligent automation. Experience with observability technologies, including metrics, logs, traces, telemetry pipelines, or service-health systems. Experience with workflow, orchestration, or automation platforms. Experience building extensible platforms, frameworks, or developer experiences used by multiple engineering teams. Demonstrated ability to define a technical vision and translate it into an executable, long-term engineering strategy. Experience mentoring senior engineers and developing technical leadership across an organization.
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